Hitting the bull’s eye: Indian shooters raise hopes in Olympics with stunning 2019 show

New Delhi: Hitting the target with monotonous regularity, Indian shooters’ dominance in a phenomenal 2019, at times, made world events look like domestic tourneys. At the forefront of the incredible showing was an extremely talented youth brigade that knew no fear.
Some of them studied hard, did their homework, appeared for exams, practised harder and then shot, to win. While some dominated the range first and wrote their papers later. And then, they were back at the range again, working on their game to continue what has been an unprecedented upswing. In terms of overall medals, the tally stood at 21 gold, six silver and three bronze as India topped all the Rifle-Pistol World Cups and Finals this year.
The number of Olympic quotas, which now stands at a record 15, is not a only refection of the country’s rapid rise in the sport over the last one year but also sets up the shooters nicely for a record haul in Tokyo Olympics, after the meltdown at Rio de Janeiro. Indian shooting’s best show at the Olympics remains the two medals won at London in 2012, but if the shooters’ exploits in recent months are anything to go by, the country can easily emulate or better that in Tokyo.
However, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), having endured an unpleasant experience in Rio, is far from basking in its shooters’ glory yet. Impressed the association is with the performance that may have exceeded expectations but, instead of celebrating, it is looking at ways to protect them from “exploitation and distractions”. That called for taking some very tough decisions, including banning the shooters from signing any fresh commercial deals in the run-up to the Olympic Games, a move that may not have found favours with many.
From drawing a blank at Rio to winning a bagful of medals almost everywhere in recent times, it will be wise to say that Indian shooting has come of age, and a lot of credit for the turnaround must go to the NRAI. With the help of people like Jaspal Rana and Smaresh Jung, the federation has effectively managed its junior programme. (PTI)